What about that Movie Popcorn?
One of the things I hear in my office on a regular basis is “and why aren’t I supposed to be eating that movie popcorn?” How bad is movie popcorn and is it really going to break your health bank? It all depends on your goals, and how often you go to the movies. If you are normal weight, and go to the movies sporadically this blog may not be for you.
If you need to lose weight and/or are insulin resistant here’s the scoop. The average medium sized movie popcorn adds up to somewhere between 700-1300 calories which are coming from carbohydrate and fat.
Let’s say you work hard all week long at your lifestyle changes – you are watching your bites closely and have averaged eating 200 calories less per day. You’ve gone to the gym diligently and are getting your rest. Your deficit for the week is 1400 calories and some change for the extra calories you have burned during your workouts. For simplicity let’s say your total deficit is 1800 calories. A weekly movie popcorn could wipe out at least half that work and one or two other blips could obliterate it. Ask yourself “if I work hard all week, is it worth it to change that hard work in a 2 hour movie?”
Sometimes all it takes is telling yourself you are changing the habit and re-wiring your brain to accept new scenarios – when going to the movies you can go after a meal, or bring your usual snack of nuts and fruit, or just stick to water. Your brain and body will fight with you for a few times but will eventually give up and get used to your new routine. In A Recipe for Life I outline how all the little extra bites DO add up. How about starting with the movies? Your Lifestyle bank will thank you.
November 21, 2009 @ 1:11 am
This is a great post, as always. I am so grateful to have read it before meeting friends to see "New Moon" tonight – it’s easy to forget goals when I’m with a group of friends and allow mindless snacking to kick in. My carrots and air-popped popcorn and water bottle are ready! 🙂 Thank you!!
November 21, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
You are very welcome Erin!